The Happy Camper: An Essential Guide to Life Outdoors [Paperback]

Kevin Callan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2, 2005

Great outdoor advice.

The Happy Camper is a comprehensive, heavily illustrated, highly entertaining compendium of basic wilderness instruction and well-tested campsite advice. One of North America's top canoeing and outdoors experts, Kevin Callan explains how to get the most from your camping experience -- no matter where you pitch your tent, what you forgot to pack or what the weather.

Step-by-step, the book shows:

• How to plan a trip for a day or even a few weeks
• How to pack only what is needed
• How to beat the bugs, stake a tent, build a fire, ward off unwanted wildlife, paddle a canoe and much more.

Other crucial topics include:

• Choosing the perfect campsite
• Using maps and compasses
• Camp cooking
• Camping with dogs and kids
• Bruises, blisters and Band-Aids
• Canoe and kayak camping
• Wilderness photography
• Cold-weather camping.

(200602)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Covers everything from how to de-skunk your dog to choosing the right clothing for your trip... humorous yet informative. (The Cottager 200605)

For camp-friendly recipes and menu-planning ideas, surf the Internet ... or buy a camping book like [this one]. (Trent Edwards Calgary Herald 20070518)

It's subtitle... is absolutely accurate, and this is a 'must' purchase for every Scout troop's and Venturer company's resource library. (Dave Jenkinson The Leader (Scouts Canada) 20050428)

An excellent choice for the camping enthusiast... tips and insights for many possible situations. (Mike Newell Lawton Constitution 20051208)

His down-to-earth advice, honest stories about conquering fears in the outdoors and laid-back philosophy make Callan's book a pleasant read. (Trent Edwards Calgary Herald 20050605)

An excellent choice for the camping enthusiast... tips and insights for many possible situations. (Sam Powell Tulsa World 20050528)

Comprehensive, easy-to-read introduction to camping skills... displays the assurance and economy of a true woodsman, and applies humor as well. (Paul McHugh San Francisco Chronicle 200506)

Packed with helpful information, personal anecdotes and amusing photographs. (Lexington Herald-Leader 20050531)

Clear, explanatory writing and authoritative advice... ecologically conscious camping how-to. (Bartley Kives Winnipeg Free Press 20051024)

You will find plenty in The Happy Camper to help make your wilderness experience, safer, 'greener' and more enjoyable. (Wave Length Magazine 200508)

Great resource for campers, from beginners planning a basic campsite experience to the seasoned camper planning a week-long wilderness trek. (Rob Mody Kingston This Week 20090501)

I enthusiastically recommend The Happy Camper as a must-have reference for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. (Bushwhacker Wilderness Adventure 20100601)

All the unwritten rules and advice about enjoying Canada's wild spaces into one packable volume... Highly entertaining outdoor guide. (Deborah Quaile Diversions )

A great all-around guide by a top camping expert for campers of any skill level. (John Helling Library Journal )

This book boasts that it's the essential guide to life outdoors and it does not fall short of these claims. (Jillian Melnyk Genesee Valley Parent Magazine )

About the Author

Kevin Callan is the author of eight books including the A Paddler's Guide series. He is a recipient of the National Magazine Award and a regularly featured speaker at North America's largest paddling events.

(20051211)

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Boston Mills Press (April 2, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1550464507
• ISBN-13: 978-1550464504
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #679,646 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is hilarious....In a GOOD way!, December 13, 2007

By 

Heather L. Hyte "Heather Everywhere" (Las Vegas, NV) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Happy Camper: An Essential Guide to Life Outdoors (Paperback)

The author, Kevin Callan, sure has a great sense of knowledge of the outdoors (and uses his great sense of humor to guide you through this book!) I own several books on backpacking and the outdoors, and this is hands-down one of my favorites. It has a great layout with highlighted sections including smart tips, AND funny pictures of the author and his friends demonstrating how to.....(or, how NOT to) survive in the wild!!! But overall, I found this book to be very useful and informative. And I enjoyed it's most valued lesson...It's okay to LAUGH while you LEARN! A+

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm a happy camper, November 15, 2010

By 

Mr. CoolDog - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Happy Camper: An Essential Guide to Life Outdoors (Paperback)

Great book for browsing and informative too. Amazon Market seller was quick and the book was in better condition than described.